Less than 10% of individuals that would benefit from GLP-1 drugs including Wegovy are able to get them, warns the World Health Organization as it releases its initial recommendations on the drugs.
Given in excess of 1,000,000,000 people worldwide now living with obesity, it is advocating for more widespread and fairer access to these injectable treatments.
According to forecasts, more than two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 without intervention.
"The new guidelines recognises that obesity is a chronic disease that can be managed with holistic and continuous support," stated WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Significant expense, constrained manufacturing, and distribution challenges are major barriers to widespread availability to the treatments that can assist patients in reducing considerable body mass, says the body.
Weight-Loss Drug Scarcity
Even under the present best projected outlook, the supply of GLP-1 therapies would only suffice for about 100 million people – fewer than 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The guideline encourages nations and manufacturers to expand access, by strategies including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on semaglutide – the primary component of a leading brand – is due to expire in a number of nations in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Function
These medications replicate a body's own hormone to delay gastric emptying, reduce hunger and boost satiety so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals commonly start to lose weight within a few weeks of commencing the regular doses.
Research suggests users may regain a significant portion after a year of discontinuing the treatment, as their normal appetite resume.
To be above a healthy weight increases your risk for experiencing diseases, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some cancers.
Excess weight affects people in countries worldwide and was linked to millions of fatalities worldwide in 2024, as per the health agency.
